The Sunrise News Sampler

Some Democrats are criticizing the resolution proposed by the White House that would authorize U.S. military action against Islamic State militants, which President Obama says would "show the world we are united in our resolve" to deal with the threat posed by the militants. He is offering to limit authorization to three years.

Same sex couples in Alabama are continuing to fight for marriage licenses even after a federal judge overturned the state's ban on same-sex marriage. A conflicting order by chief justice Roy Moore has led some counties to refuse to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples.

A very unlikely suspect has been arrested on multiple felony drug charges. During the search of a Cottondale residence, agents recovered morphine, methadone, marijuana, and other drugs. 65-year-old Fred David Linksweiler of Cottondale has been charged with trafficking narcotics as well as possession offenses. He was placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail pending a $215,000 bond.

Lottery officials say there are three winning tickets in last night's $564 million Powerball drawing. The tickets were sold in North Carolina, Puerto Rico, and Texas.
Today, the Senate is expected to confirm President Obama's pick to run the Pentagon. If Ashton Carter is confirmed, he'll be Obama's fourth defense secretary in six years.

Alabama judges hope a federal court hearing in Mobile this afternoon clears up confusion over gay marriage. At least 22 of the state's 67 counties are issuing licenses for same-sex marriage, but others are not.

A meeting is being planned at the University of Alabama to improve the transition to civilian life for military veterans. The two-day event is called "Service Member to Civilian: A National Summit on Improving Transitions." It will be held at the Bryant Conference Center starting April 16.

Kanye West is working to clarify his comments about fellow musician Beck. He says he misspoke when he took aim at Beck winning the album of the year Grammy instead of Beyonce, saying he didn't mean any disrespect, but he was upset that Beck did not mention other nominees as worthy of winning during his speech. Admitting he doesn't have much respect for the Grammy's, Kanye says his jumping on stage was "kind of a joke, like the Grammys themselves."